Glycohistochemistry of the zona pellucida of developing oocytes in the rabbit and hare

Lagomorpha are often used as animal models in reproductive experiments. The aim of the present study was to examine the glycoconjugate modifications o ccurring mainly in the zona pellucida during oocyte growth in the rabbit an d hare. using a battery of lectins combined with sialidase digestion and ch emical treatments. This histochemical approach made it possible to identify sulpho-and asulpho-carbohydrates in the terminal and/or subterminal positi on linked to sialic acid residues. The lectins that stained the zona pelluc ida of both species most effectively were SBA, PNA and WGA, indicating the presence of beta -D-N-acetylgalactosamine, beta -galactosamine and N-acetyl glucosamine residues. The differences in the glucidic residue content and i n their spatial distribution that depended on the species and stage of foll icle development were also detected. (C) 2001 Harcourt Publishers Ltd.